Cancer Research UK is providing nearly £100,000 in funding to scientists at the University of Edinburgh, led by Dr. Marta Canel, in their quest to develop a blood test capable of detecting pancreatic cancer in its early stages. The initiative aims to revolutionize the diagnosis of this aggressive cancer, which is typically identified at an advanced stage when treatment options are limited.
Pancreatic cancer is a significant cause of cancer-related deaths in the UK, primarily due to late diagnosis. The university team’s research will concentrate on specific genes – KRAS, SMAD4, and CDKN2A – which when altered, lead to uncontrolled division and growth of cancer cells.
The scientists seek to comprehend how variations in these genes impact biomarkers, and biological evidence present in the blood that signifies the presence of cancer. A successful blood test for pancreatic cancer would reduce the necessity for invasive diagnostic biopsies, particularly challenging given the pancreas’s location and vital role in regulating blood sugar levels and digestion.
Moreover, such a test would enable screening for high-risk groups, including older individuals and those who develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
Dr. Canel emphasized the importance of early detection, stating, “Diagnosing pancreatic cancer at an early stage when surgery remains possible and treatment more effective is critical to patients.”
Developing a reliable blood test for pancreatic cancer has been a primary focus of research. While no robust biomarker has been identified thus far, previous research by Dr. Canel’s team uncovered markers in the blood detectable when tumours exhibit specific genetic changes, such as KRAS mutations.
Mapping these genetic variations could pave the way for precision medicine tailored to individual patients, providing earlier and more effective treatment options. Dr. Catherine Elliott, director of research at Cancer Research UK, described precision medicine as a growing area of cancer research and expressed hope that the project would yield valuable insights into pancreatic cancer.
Additionally, the research may identify vulnerabilities in pancreatic cancer that could be targeted by existing or new treatments, including immunotherapy, which is currently not available for this challenging cancer.
Pancreatic cancer, known for its difficulty in treatment due to the pancreas’s location and function, typically only offers the possibility of effective treatment through surgery, provided the disease is caught in time. This initiative represents a significant step toward improving early detection and treatment outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.
